The Parks Department started collecting bids Tuesday to renovate Astoria’s Paul Raimonda Playground and expects to begin construction in the spring of 2015.
The project, which was announced last year and received $1.56 million from the City Council and the mayor’s office, includes removing the bocce courts, adding adult fitness equipment, repairing the flag pole base, relocating the seating area, replacing play equipment, installing new planting beds and repaving asphalt areas throughout the playground located on 20th Avenue between 47th and 48th streets.
Also, to give the park a more local touch, the children’s spray shower in the park will be reconstructed in the shape of a baby grand piano, to pay homage to Steinway & Sons, the piano manufacturer that is located a few blocks away.
Renovation of the park will also address drainage issues, by surrounding trees with plant beds instead of existing cobblestones.
Paul Raimonda was a community leader and life-long resident of nearby Long Island City. He attended William C. Bryant High School and served four years in the Army Air Corps during World War II, according the Parks Department.
The bids are due back by Oct. 22.
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